"According to the information currently available, the German Navy defeated the French fleet at a very small price with a disadvantage. We had underestimated the combat effectiveness of the German 10,000-ton armored cruiser before. Whether it was the Asama-class armored cruiser purchased by the Japanese or the Bismarck-Bicester armored cruiser used by the Germans this time, they had the strength to suppress most battleships. Therefore, it is very necessary and the correct decision for us to order a new generation of Liurik-type battleships in Germany. The only drawback is that the quantity we ordered is a little small!"

In the summer palace, Makanov reported to Nicholas II the details of the French-German naval battle, and took the opportunity to incite the German Emperor to order more German warships! "And the French temporarily added low-interest loans this time can just make up for the gap in our insufficient funds. Ordering 4 ships is absolutely fine."

"General Makanov, what we need to discuss here is about the future political situation, rather than ordering warships from Germany. Now France and Germany are at a strife, and the British have expressed their support for France. As a friendly country in France, we need to do something." Foreign Minister Giles said with some dissatisfaction. He was a pro-French faction to a certain extent, and he had a natural resistance to the powerful Germany, and Makanov's actions made him very dissatisfied.

"If I remember correctly, our diplomats in Germany should have told the Germans about our concerns, right? What is the Germans' opinion?" Nicholas II asked suddenly.

The Tsar was still very confused about his own wallets and creditors. On the one hand, the development of the Russians is inseparable from the French's money, but at the same time, they had some malice towards the French who controlled their finances. The Russian upper class once complained more than once that Russia worked for the French. Now, as Americans entered the Russian financial market, Russia's financial pressure has been greatly reduced, and compared with the French who were pointing fingers, the United States is more likely to gain Russia's favor.

But at the same time, the Russians also paid attention to maintaining the balance of power in Europe! Only in France can Russia ensure its advantage over Germany and have the energy to explore the Far East. Therefore, Russia warned Germany in 1880, which planned to launch a war against France. This time, if Germany wants to take the opportunity to change the basic European market, then Russia plans to repeat history again!

Fortunately, the Germans realized the situation this time and did not want to cause trouble. "Your Majesty, the Germans' opinions are very simple. They have no intention of engaging in a national war with France, but the premise is that France must give up interference in Portugal and make some compensation for their actions in Africa. The Germans did not issue *******, and the number of troops on the French-German border is not large. It basically meets our requirements." Gilles replied.

"That's good. As long as the Germans do not step into the French-German border, then there is no need for us to take substantial actions. So what is the so-called compensation of the Germans?" Nicholas II breathed a sigh of relief. With the Germans' guarantee, he could finally continue to concentrate on dealing with the hateful country in the Far East.

"Your Majesty, but the premise of the Germans is to let France provide compensation. If the French are unwilling to admit defeat, then it is hard for me to imagine whether the Germans will take military actions on land." Giles pointed out a "trap" in the Germans' words.

"These are all details. As long as there is no large-scale war between the two sides, Russia will not need to intervene. Our relationship with France is good, but it is impossible to endorse all actions for France! We have been preparing for the war in the Far East for several years. If there is a conflict with Germany, all previous efforts will be shattered." Army Secretary Kulopatkin said.

"But now Britain is moving closer to France. If Britain and France take advantage of this opportunity to get together, it will be very unfavorable for our future Far East situation." Giles retorted.

"Are the British? What these guys who are gentlemen on the surface but are actually profiteers and pirates said are trustworthy? If Britain and France come together, we can completely strengthen the relationship between Germany and Austria and the United States. By the way, there are Italy. We have five major countries on our side, and there are only three countries on the British, France and Japan. We have the advantage."

"And now, Britain has not handled their own backyard matters well, so they want to use an empty declaration to drive us against Germany? Have you forgotten the failures we suffered in the Philippines? And now, the Germans still have three of our warships in their hands. If there is a little accident, then we will have no chance of winning at the sea in the Far East. Since Germany and the people expressed their unwillingness to engage in a national war with France, then Russia has no need to participate at all." Makanov said.

"If the Germans did not intend to invade France, but wanted to gain some benefits, then we could uphold neutrality and serve as mediators. The pace of eastward advancement cannot stop. We use military tactics to help France can only make us fall into a deeper quagmire. The empire can only have one enemy at a time, and this enemy is Japan, and the hatred between France and Germany should be resolved by them!" Nicholas II finally set the tone and ended all discussions.

"However, in this opportunity, we can also seek some benefits from Germany. I think that if the German government comes forward, the price of importing some equipment from Bavaria will be much cheaper. The French should also pay more francs to Russia for this mistake." Of course, the Russians will not give up this opportunity. For countries like Russia, who make less money and lose money, using a promise to get benefits from the Germans and using a verbal support to get loans from the French are what they are most willing to do now!

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs acted quickly, first of all, saying that the basic situation in Europe cannot change, Russia opposes all conflicts in the European continent. Secondly, it means that Russia is neutral on the issue of Africa, believing that the reason for the fight between the two sides in Angola was entirely caused by an accident, and the two sides should sit down and negotiate instead of continuing to fight. The noble Russian Tsar is willing to serve as a mediator.

On the surface, the Russians tend to be more vulnerable to France, but what is shocking is that the day after the announcement, the Russian government ordered the fourth battleship from the Brom-Foss Shipyard for 1.3 million pounds...

Thanks to book friends He*he, Went Bed, Hui Gezi 0015, Falcon Kun, and Qianshui Yy for their monthly ticket support~~~! Thanks to book friends for not being an official for additional tickets, the author will continue to update the third day tomorrow~~~!
Chapter completed!